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A club constitution is a simple document that outlines its functions and the rules under which it will operate.
Having a constitution should help to clarify how club procedures work. The constitution, together with your clubs policies and procedures, will help to protect your club members and offices and make your club run more smoothly.
Why do we need one?
Your constitution sets out the fundamental principles of your club. A good constitution will:
- Explain to members (and non-members) what your club is about.
- Help protect club members and officers.
- Clarify how club procedures should work.
- Clarify and help sort out internal problems.
- Underpin funding applications - most funding bodies will not consider applications from groups without a constitution.
- Enable your club to become incorporated.
When do we need one?
If you are thinking of setting up a club, before your group holds its initial meeting (or at least at one of your early meetings) it would be good to draw up a draft constitution. Doing this means you can discuss and agree the core principals of your club early on. Having a constitution in place is one of the basics that funding organisations will expect to see if you are applying for a grant. Make sure you have a constitution in place and that it is regularly updated.
What should be included in a constitution?
The constitution guide is an overview of what can be included in a constitution. Your national governing body may have specific requirements to include for your sport so it is worth checking there. If your governing body doesn’t have a recommended constitution, the constitution template will help you get started (Coming soon)
Codes of Conduct
It is the responsibility of everybody involved in your club to ensure it remains a safe place, free from discrimination, fear and where possible, risk.
An important component of maintaining a quality club culture is to set standards of acceptable behaviour which must be upheld by all involved and those participating in club run activities and competitions. An important tool for defining and communicating acceptable standards of behaviour is a documented, Code of Conduct. Ideally the Code of Conduct must apply to all involved in your club and its activities and different groups of people that should be covered include:
- Adult members
- Junior Members
- Club Officials and volunteers
- Parents and Carers